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4-INGREDIENT CHRISTMAS SHORTBREAD COOKIES

These 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies are a simple, buttery, and festive treat perfect for holiday baking. With just butter, flour, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, you can create melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are perfect for decorating or enjoying as is.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs
Servings: 36 cookies
Calories: 150 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: Sprinkles, sanding sugar, icing for decorating

Instructions

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  1. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Add flour: Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough will be crumbly at first but will come together as you mix.
  4. Chill dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and flatten it into a disc. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling is crucial for preventing spreading and creating a tender cookie.
  5. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Roll and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
  7. Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look pale.
  8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Decorate (optional): Once cooled, decorate the cookies with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or icing as desired.

Notes

  • Butter: Use real butter for the best flavor and texture. Make sure it's softened but not melted.
  • Flour: Measure the flour correctly. Too much flour will result in dry cookies.
  • Chilling: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
  • Baking Time: Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your cookies. Keep an eye on the cookies and remove them when the edges are lightly golden. Don't overbake!
  • Decorating: Get creative with your decorations! Use royal icing, sprinkles, sanding sugar, or even melted chocolate.

Nutrition Information

Calories 150kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 15g (5%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 10g (15%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 36cookies

Amount Per Serving

Calories 150

% Daily Value*

Calories 150kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 15g 5%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 10g 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.